U.S. consumers lead the world in personal debt many times over, with a total debt load of $13.62 trillion these days between mortgages, auto loans, student loans, installment plans, and more. Yes, we’re indebted to those never-ending credit cards, too, with more than $1.021 trillion in credit card charges – the highest in history. Point blank; we’re buying more than ever with a future promise to Continue Reading

With 41% of people saying gift cards are what they want most this holiday season, continuing a decade-plus trend of gift cards topping the list of the most popular holiday presents, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2017’s Best Gift Cards, which includes 10 money-saving gift card tips to help shoppers spread cheer on the cheap.
Here are some highlights from Continue Reading

Here is an interesting post from a colleague, Nevin Miller, in Marin County, in the bay area. He's been right more times than not, so its good to hear what he has to say.
"Just what the heck is going to happen with interest rates? I get that question a lot – so let’s spend a few minutes and talk about the possibilities. Mortgage rates fell sharply starting last Fall, and bottomed at Continue Reading

Here is a news release we saw on Housing Wire a few minutes ago:
Both government-sponsored enterprises officially announced their individual 97% loan-to-value products, in the government’s latest attempt to expand the credit box for first-time homeowners.
Back in October, the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced a number of policy steps aimed at increasing mortgage credit availability at Continue Reading